Shaken Baby Syndrome is 100% preventable Everyday handling of a baby, playful acts and minor accidents do not have the force needed to create these injuries. Shaking injuries are NOT caused by: BOUNCING BABY ON YOUR KNEE GENTLY TOSSING BABY IN THE AIR JOGGING OR BIKING WITH YOUR BABY FALLS OFF OF FURNITURE Shaken Baby Syndrome facts Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is one of the most common causes of death by physical abuse to infants. Produced and distributed In accordance with Violent shaking causes bleeding and massive the Kimberlin West Act. swelling in the brain and can result in: n Permanent brain damage For more information visit the Florida n Blindness Department of Health website. n Developmental Delays n Cerebral Palsy n Seizures n Death Did you know? Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs when a frustrated caregiver loses control and violently shakes an infant or young child. Crying is the most common reason that someone severely shakes a baby. Young males who care for a baby alone are most at risk to shake a baby. WHY BABIES CRY n hunger n too hot or too cold n diaper needs changing n discomfort/pain, fever/illness n teething n colic n n boredom/over-stimulation n fear—of loud noises or stranger n

Understanding your baby Ways to calm your baby Ways to handle your Taking care of your baby can be fun and It may seem like your baby cries more than enjoyable. But, when your baby won’t stop others, but ALL babies cry, some even cry a lot. frustration crying, it can be very upsetting for you and You can do the following things to try and sooth When your baby is crying. . . caregivers. your baby. Put the baby in crib, make sure the baby is safe, It is normal for your baby to cry. A baby may cry Check the reasons your baby may be crying. close the door; check on the baby every 5–10 two to 3 hours a day—sometimes more! Then try to calm your baby. minutes. Non-stop crying is difficult for all parents to cope Check your baby’s basic needs: feed baby, burp Relax, take a bath or shower, exercise, or play with. the baby, change diaper, make sure clothing is not music n Crying happens most often in the evenings. too tight, too hot, or too cold, etc. Call a trusted friend, relative, or neighbor ask n Crying may start or stop and you don’t Offer the baby a pacifier. them to watch the baby and to give you a needed know why. break Hold the baby against your chest and n Crying may not stop no matter what you do. massage, walk, or rock the baby Sit down, close your eyes, and take 20 deep breaths. n Your baby’s crying will not harm him or her. Sing, hum or talk to the baby Think about how much you love your baby. Take the baby for a walk in a stroller or for a ride in the car seat Talk to someone. Call one of the crisis hotlines— If your baby is not in distress, 911 or 1-800-FLA-LOVE. place the baby in a safe place (such as his crib) and let him cry; check on him every 5–10 minutes to make sure he is all right Don’t take your Check with your baby’s doctor if you think your baby is crying frustration out on too much. your baby. NEVER, NEVER, SHAKE A BABY!

Dedicated to the memory of thousands of infants and young children whose lives are forever changed by shaking.